Body piercing: What are the usual issues?

Different parts of the body can be used for body piercing. The ears have been the usual site and most cases heal without any issues. Other parts include the nose, mouth, tongue, eyebrow, navel and even the genital region.

Take note that in every site of body piercing, it has its healing time and set of possible issues to expect.

With the proper home treatment, it can hasten the healing process of the wound as well as prevent any issues. Initially, a body piercing site might be minimally swollen, and a small amount of blood or fluid might drain from the site.

Common issues from a body piercing

An infection of the lips or mouth can cause issues with chewing, speech or swallowing or trigger swelling that can block the throat.

Infection – An infection has the potential to be serious or even life-threatening where the whole body is affected. An infection of the lips or mouth can cause issues with chewing, speech or swallowing or trigger swelling that can block the throat. For a nipple piercing, it can scar the breast tissue and disrupt ability to breastfeed among women.

Tearing or splitting of the skin that can lead to scar tissue formation.

Issues with the jewelry worn include metal allergies. The individual should use the type of jewelry specific to the body piercing site.

Damage to the underlying nerves or blood vessels

Scarring of the site of the body piercing

In case sterile technique is not observed during a body piercing, there is a possibility of acquiring certain diseases such as hepatitis B or C and even HIV. Sepsis can also develop as well.